CLEVELAND Police’s Deputy Chief Constable today blasted his shock arrest as part of a fraud and corruption probe.

Derek Bonnard says he is “entirely innocent” of all allegations and has called into question the way in which his arrest and questioning was carried out.

In a statement issued to the Gazette, Mr Bonnard also urged “people who hold the appropriate positions, both locally and nationally” to closely examine the probe.

“You will recognise that I cannot say too much at this time, but I do call to question the necessity and justification for my arrest and treatment as, at no time, was any evidence of wrongdoing put to me,” the officer said.

Mr Bonnard and Mr Price have also been suspended from their Cleveland Police roles by Cleveland Police Authority.

In a statement today, Mr Bonnard:

:: Said he was innocent of all allegations;

:: Voiced his belief that he would be cleared in due course;

:: Said that he co-operated fully during his arrest and while held in custody for 30 hours;

:: Expressed his distress at the “concerns” raised with frontline officers over the matter;

:: Spoke of his pride at serving with Cleveland Police.

It comes after a statement issued by Mr Price stated that he was also “entirely innocent” and was confident he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

The arrests of Mr Bonnard, Mr Price and the force’s former solicitor Caroline Llewellyn were part of an investigation being led by Warwickshire’s Chief Constable Keith Bristow into people with current or past associations with Cleveland Police Authority.

The probe previously led to the resignation of chairman Councillor Dave McLuckie in May.

Cllr McLuckie has denied any wrongdoing in his position.

After the arrests, PC Steve Matthews, chairman of Cleveland Police Federation, said frontline officers had become the target of abuse over the controversy.

Mr Bonnard, Mr Price, and Ms Llewellyn have been bailed until October, while a member of the public - who was arrested earlier in the probe - was bailed until November.

Full statement >>>

In his own words...

“LET me start by saying that I am innocent of all the allegations made against me and I truly believe I will be cleared in due course.

“As highly experienced and successful police officers only Sean Price and I can fully understand the devastating impact of recent events.

“I believe the actions that were taken against me were unprecedented, unnecessary and will prove to be unjustified.

“I was arrested from home at 6am and my house was searched.

“I was held for over 30 hours in custody, including detention overnight, and I was interviewed for around six hours over the two days.

“Despite my distress at the situation, I fully co-operated at all stages and answered every single question.

“You will recognise that I cannot say too much at this time but I do call to question the necessity and justification for my arrest and treatment as at no time was any evidence of wrongdoing put to me. Many people will know that I was born and raised in the Cleveland area, attending both Laurence Jackson School and Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough.

“Although my career has been varied and rewarding I have never felt greater pride than when I returned in 2004 to serve the people of Cleveland.

“Together with others, I have worked immensely hard to deliver success to the policing of Teesside and the force has become the best in the country.

“I was honoured to collect the Police Force of the Year award in London a few weeks ago on behalf of all those who have worked so hard to deliver so much.

“I am now suspended from a job that I have dedicated my life to since I started my policing career some 24 years ago.

“It is distressing to hear that concerns have been raised directly with operational staff over recent events as they have gone about their daily business.

“I hope the public will continue to support the hard work of those on the front-line who have delivered so much through neighbourhood policing.

“Continued support is vital to ensure we do not lose all the great gains in policing we have delivered together over recent years. I am seeking appropriate support.

“Despite many concerns, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

“However, I believe those who hold the appropriate positions, both locally and nationally, should closely examine this investigation.

“Only then can the public be certain of the truth and the necessity of recent events.

“I have received many words of support from colleagues across the country and I will respond to them all when I can find the strength to do so.

“I offer my support to my work colleagues, both within the force and police authority, who continue to deliver on a daily basis to the people we serve.

“In such difficult times for policing I still wish, despite recent events, that I could be with them doing the job I love.

“Finally, and most importantly, I want to say thank you to my family and friends. The support you give to me is immense.”